Convertible garment

ABSTRACT

A convertible garment is selectively configurable for use in a variety of situations. The garment includes a panel and a plurality of handles. The panel includes a first section having a first outer edge portion that defines a first space, a second section having a second outer edge portion that defines a second space, and a body section between the first section and the second section. The body section has an inner edge portion that defines a head opening. The handles extend mediolaterally between a first side of the panel and a second side of the panel such that one or more first handles coupled to the first outer edge portion include a first medial portion exposable at the first space and one or more second handles coupled to the second outer edge portion include a second medial portion exposable at the second space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/631,998 filed Feb. 19, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor gear and/or other equipment may be used to heighten positive aspects of an outdoor experience and/or mitigate negative aspects of the outdoor experience. In this manner, a collection of known outdoor gear may be selected to manage a wide range of situations. For example, known ponchos may be selected in preparation for inclement weather, known hammocks may be selected in preparation for relaxation, and known stretchers may be selected in preparation for physical injury. Bringing a collection of at least some known outdoor gear, however, may be inconvenient, arduous, and/or costly, particularly when the outdoor experience is lengthy and/or in a remote location.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a garment is provided for use in a variety of situations. The garment includes a panel and a plurality of handles. The panel includes a first section having a first outer edge portion that defines a first space, a second section having a second outer edge portion that defines a second space, and a body section between the first section and the second section. The body section has an inner edge portion that defines a head opening. The handles include one or more first handles coupled to the first outer edge portion and one or more second handles coupled to the second outer edge portion. The handles extend mediolaterally between a first side of the panel and a second side of the panel such that the first handles include a first medial portion exposable at the first space and the second handles include a second medial portion exposable at the second space.

In another aspect, a convertible garment is provided. The convertible garment includes a panel, a plurality of handles, and a hood. The panel has a first side edge portion at a first side of the panel, a second side edge portion at a second side of the panel, a plurality of outer edge portions extending between the first side of the panel and the second side of the panel, and an inner edge portion defining a head opening. The outer edge portions define at least a first space and a second space. The handles are coupled to the outer edge portions and extend between the first side and the second side. The handles include at least a first handle exposable at the first space and a second handle exposable at the second space. The hood has a lower edge portion coupled to the inner edge portion of the panel. The convertible garment is convertible between a poncho configuration and a stretcher configuration.

In yet another aspect, a method is provided for fabricating a convertible garment. The method includes providing a panel that has a first outer edge portion defining a first space, a second outer edge portion defining a second space, and an inner edge portion defining a head opening. One or more first handles are coupled to the first outer edge portion such that the first handles are exposable at the first space and extend mediolaterally between a first side of the panel and a second side of the panel. One or more second handles are coupled to the second outer edge portion such that the second handles are exposable at the second space and extend mediolaterally between the first side of the panel and the second side of the panel. A hood is coupled to the inner edge portion of the panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 includes a front perspective view of an example garment in a poncho configuration.

FIG. 2 includes a rear perspective view of the garment shown in FIG. 1 in the poncho configuration.

FIG. 3A includes a detailed cutaway view of the garment shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 include plan views of the garment shown in FIG. 1 in an open configuration.

FIG. 5 includes a detailed plan view of an outer edge portion of the garment shown in FIG. 1 in a cinched configuration.

FIG. 6 includes a plan view of the garment shown in FIG. 1 in a stretcher configuration.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E include detailed perspective views of example securing mechanisms that may be used with a garment, such as the garment shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C include detailed perspective views of other example securing mechanisms that may be used with a garment, such as the garment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 includes a plan view of an example garment in an open configuration.

FIG. 10 includes a perspective view of the garment shown in FIG. 9 in a hammock configuration.

FIG. 11 includes a detailed plan view of an exterior surface of a corner portion of the garment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 includes a perspective view of the garment shown in FIG. 9 in a tent configuration.

FIG. 13 includes a detailed plan view of an interior surface of the corner portion of the garment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 includes a detailed plan view of a side edge portion of the garment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 includes another detailed plan view of the side edge portion of the garment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 includes a plan view of the garment shown in FIG. 9 in a reinforced stretcher configuration.

FIG. 17 includes a perspective view of the garment shown in FIG. 9 in a stretcher configuration.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Although specific features may be shown in some of the drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the examples described herein, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to outdoor gear and, more particularly, to a garment that is convertible between a plurality of configurations. Examples described herein include a garment that may be selectively converted into one of a plurality of configurations for use in a particular situation. The garment may be used, for example, as a poncho for protection from inclement weather, as a hammock for a place to relax, and/or as a stretcher for transporting one or more objects, including an injured person. In this manner, the examples described herein enable a user to conveniently, efficiently, and/or effectively be prepared for a wide range of situations.

In at least some examples, the garment includes a panel including outer sections and a body section between the outer edge portions. The outer sections have outer edge portions defining slits, cutouts, indentations, or some other form of negative space (hereinafter referred to as “spaces” and individually as a “space”), and the body section has an inner edge portion defining a head opening. A plurality of handles may be coupled to the panel. The handles may extend, for example, mediolaterally across the panel such that the handles are at least partially exposed at the spaces. While the examples described herein are described using a rectangular-shaped panel and rectangular-shaped handles, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand and appreciate that the panel and/or handles may have one or more of a wide variety of configurations that enable a user to use the garment as described herein.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example garment 100 in a poncho configuration. The garment 100 includes a panel 110 and a plurality of handles 120 coupled to the panel 110. The panel 110 may be fabricated, for example, from a waterproof material such that the panel 110 is configured to prevent or restrict at least some liquid (e.g., water) from passing through the panel 110. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the panel 110 may be fabricated from a breathable material such that the panel 110 is configured to allow at least some gas (e.g., air) to pass through the panel 110. The garment 100 is selectively convertible between the poncho configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and one or more other configurations, including a hammock configuration and a stretcher configuration, which are described in detail below.

The panel 110 has a first surface 122 and a second surface 124 opposite the first surface 122. When the garment 100 is used as a poncho, the first surface 122 is oriented to face generally in an outward direction (i.e., away from the user), and the second surface 124 is oriented to face generally in an inward direction (i.e., toward the user). Alternatively, the garment 100 may be worn by the user such that the second surface 124 is oriented to face generally in the outward direction, and the first surface 122 is oriented to face generally in the inward direction. In some examples, at least one area of the first surface 122 has a first color or pattern (e.g., a plurality of colors arranged in a camouflage pattern), and at least one area of the second surface 124 has a second color or pattern different from the first color or pattern (e.g., a single color). The first surface 122 and second surface 124 may have differing colors or patterns to enable the user to selectively blend in with an environment. For example, the first color or pattern may allow the user to blend in with a first environment (e.g., with natural features, such as grass, trees, dirt, sand, snow, and/or water) while the second color or pattern may allow the user to stand out in the first environment and/or blend in with a second environment different from the first environment. In other words, the colors or patterns may have one or more distinct functions in that various light waves may be absorbed or reflected by the first surface 122 and/or second surface 124 differently.

In some examples, a hood 130 is coupled to the panel 110. A lower edge portion 132 of the hood 130, for example, may be coupled to an inner edge portion 134 of the panel 110. The hood 130 includes a front edge portion 136 (shown in FIG. 1) defining a face opening 138 (shown in FIG. 1). To use the garment 100 as a poncho, a head of the user may be extended or inserted through a head opening (shown in FIG. 3) defined by the inner edge portion 134 of the panel 110, and the garment 100 may be oriented such that a first outer edge portion 140 of the panel 110 extends mediolaterally across a front of the user and a second outer edge portion 142 of the panel 110 extends mediolaterally across a back of the user.

While the garment 100 is being used as a poncho, the hood 130 may be selectively pulled up over the head of the user, such that the front edge portion 136 of the hood 130 generally circumscribes a face of the user (i.e., the face of the user is oriented to face outward through the face opening 138), or pulled down behind the head of the user, such that the front edge portion 136 generally circumscribes a neck of the user (i.e., the neck of the user extends through the face opening 138). In some examples, a drawstring 144 (shown in FIG. 1) extends through a channel defined by the front edge portion 136 of the hood 130. The drawstring 144 may be used (e.g., by pulling on the drawstring 144) to selectively tighten or close the face opening 138 (i.e., move the front edge portion 136 toward a contracted configuration). In this manner, the drawstring 144 may be used to facilitate increasing an amount of protection from the ambient environment.

One or more coupling mechanisms 150 may be coupled to the panel 110 along a first side edge portion 152 at a first side 154 of the panel 110 and a second side edge portion 156 at a second side 158 of the panel 110 such that the coupling mechanisms 150 are configured to selectively couple the first side edge portion 152 to second side edge portion 156. In this manner, the coupling mechanisms 150 may be used to facilitate increasing an amount of protection from the ambient environment. The coupling mechanisms 150 may include, for example, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and/or any other fastener that enables the first side edge portion 152 of the panel 110 to be coupled to the second side edge portion 156 of the panel 110.

In some examples, one or more identifiers 160 are coupled to the panel 110. Identifiers 160 include information that may be used to identify the garment 100 or the user of the garment 100. The identifiers 160 may be removably coupled to the first surface 122 and/or second surface 124, for example, using one or more coupling mechanisms 162. The coupling mechanisms 162 may include, for example, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and/or any other fastener that enables the identifiers 160 to be coupled to the panel 110. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the identifiers 160 may be fixedly coupled (e.g., glued, sewn, sealed, stapled) to the panel 110. The identifiers 160 may include, for example, a name badge, an infrared (IR) tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and/or any other device that enables the garment 100, or the user of the garment 100, to be identified.

FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4 show the garment 100 in an open or first hammock configuration, and FIG. 5 shows an outer edge portion of the garment 100 (e.g., first outer edge portion 140, second outer edge portion 142) in a cinched or second hammock configuration. The panel 110 includes a first section 200, a second section 210, and a body section 220 between the first section 200 and the second section 210. The first section 200, second section 210, and/or body section 220 extend mediolaterally between the first side 154 of the panel 110 and the second side 158 of the panel 110. The first section 200 has the first outer edge portion 140, which defines a first space 222. The second section 210 has the second outer edge portion 142, which defines a second space 224. The body section 220 has the inner edge portion 134, which defines the head opening 226.

The handles 120 include one or more first handles 230 coupled to the first outer edge portion 140, and one or more second handles 232 coupled to the second outer edge portion 142. First handles 230 and/or second handles 232 may include one or more lateral portions 234 extending beyond a periphery of the panel 110 (e.g., beyond the first side 154, beyond the second side 158). Additionally, the first handles 230 and/or second handles 232 may include one or more medial portions 236 extending between the first side 154 and the second side 158. The medial portions 236 may extend, for example, in or across the first space 222 and/or second space 224. In this manner, one or more first handles 230 may be at least partially exposed at the first space 222, and/or one or more second handles 232 may be at least partially exposed at the second space 224. The medial portions 236 at an outer edge portion of the garment 100 (e.g., first outer edge portion 140, second outer edge portion 142) may be coupled to each other. In some examples, the handles 120 are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 238 of the panel 110 (e.g., a center axis).

The first handles 230 and/or second handles 232 may include one or more segments that extend through one or more channels 240 (shown in FIG. 3) defined by one or more sleeves 242 at the first outer edge portion 140 and/or second outer edge portion 142, respectively. In some examples, the channels 240 and sleeves 242 are formed by folding one or more tabs 244 extending longitudinally away from the body section 220 back toward the body section 220 and coupling an end portion 246 of each tab 244 to the second surface 124. The tabs 244 may be folded such that a root portion 248 of each tab 244 remains extended longitudinally away from the body section 220. In this manner, the first space 222 may be defined between a first pair of tabs 244 that form a first pair of sleeves 242 at the first outer edge portion 140, and/or the second space 224 may be defined between a second pair of tabs 244 that form a second pair of sleeves 242 at the second outer edge portion 142.

In some examples, the garment 100 includes a plurality of cords 250 at the first outer edge portion 140 and/or second outer edge portion 142. Each cord 250 includes a fixed end segment 252, a free end segment 254, and a body segment 256 between the fixed end segment 252 and the free end segment 254. In some examples, the fixed end segment 252 of each cord 250 is fixedly coupled to a respective anchoring mechanism 260 of a plurality of anchoring mechanisms 260 at a first lateral end 262 of a respective sleeve 242 (e.g., a “first” sleeve). At least some of the fixed end segment 252 may extend through an opening defined by the anchoring mechanism 260 for coupling the cord 250 to the anchoring mechanism 260. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixed end segment 252 may be directly coupled to the anchoring mechanism 260 using a girth hitch knot.

The cords 250 may be used to selectively tighten or cinch the panel 110 at the sleeves 242 (i.e., move the first outer edge portion 140 and/or second outer edge portion 142 toward a contracted configuration), as shown in FIG. 5. In some examples, the body segment 256 of each cord 250 extends through one or more channels 240 defined by one or more respective sleeves 242 (e.g., including the first sleeve), and the free end segment 254 of each cord 250 is free from the channels 240. When the free end segment 254 is pulled or moved to increase a tension in the cord 250, a portion of the body segment 256 at or adjacent to a second lateral end 264 of the sleeves 242 (e.g., an opposing lateral end of the first sleeve or of another sleeve) may be pulled away from and/or become free from the channels 240 at the second lateral end 264, decreasing a proportion of the body segment 256 remaining in the channels 240 and/or increasing a proportion of the body segment 256 free from the channels 240. In this manner, when a portion of the free end segment 254 at or adjacent to the second lateral end 264 is pulled or moved toward the first lateral end 262, the body segment 256 may move or urge the second lateral end 264 toward the first lateral end 262, decreasing a distance spanned by the sleeves 242.

In some examples, the body segment 256 of each cord 250 is coupled to a respective securing mechanism 266 at or adjacent to the second lateral end 264 such that the body segment 256 is configured to move or urge the securing mechanism 266 toward the first lateral end 262. At least some of the body segment 256 may extend through an opening defined by the securing mechanism 266 such that the cord 250 at least partially wraps around the securing mechanism 266. In some examples, the securing mechanisms 266 have the same or a similar physical makeup or configuration as that of the anchoring mechanisms 260. The anchoring mechanisms 260 and securing mechanisms 266 may include, for example, a webbing material (e.g., flat webbing) formed in a circular, loop, U-shaped, or other at least partially closed shape that enables a cord 250 to be coupled thereto.

The free end segment 254 of each cord 250 may be selectively coupled to a respective retaining mechanism 268 of a plurality of retaining mechanisms 268. At least some of the free end segment 254 may be positioned in the retaining mechanism 268 for coupling the cord 250 to the retaining mechanism 268. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the free end segment 254 may be positioned in a cavity defined by the retaining mechanism 268. When a portion of the free end segment 254 at or adjacent to the second lateral end 264 is pulled or moved toward the first lateral end 262, at least some of the free end segment 254 may extend through an opening defined by the anchoring mechanism 260, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. To secure the garment 100 in the second hammock configuration, the free end segment 254 may be directly coupled to the anchoring mechanism 260 using a shoelace knot.

FIG. 6 shows the garment 100 in a stretcher configuration. The garment 100 may be folded from the open configuration, for example, to form a longitudinal edge portion 302 extending along the longitudinal axis 238 of the panel 110. The first side edge portion 152 may be securely coupled to the second side edge portion 156, for example, using the coupling mechanisms 150. When the garment 100 is in the stretcher configuration, the first space 222 and second space 224 are at the longitudinal edge portion 302 opposite the first side edge portion 152 and/or second side edge portion 156 and provide access to the handles 120 at the longitudinal edge portion 302.

FIGS. 7A-E and FIGS. 8A-C show example securing mechanisms that may be used to secure the garment 100 and/or the hood 130, for example. As shown in FIGS. 7A-E, the garment 100 may include one or more securing mechanisms 410 configured to retain the hood 130 in a rolled or stowed configuration. The securing mechanisms 410 may be coupled, for example, to a lower edge portion 132 of the hood 130 and/or to an inner edge portion 134 of the panel 110. In some examples, the securing mechanisms 410 includes a strap 412 and a coupling mechanism 414 configured to engage the strap 412. For example, the coupling mechanism 414 may engage another coupling mechanism 414 that is attached or secured to the strap 412. The hood 130 may be rolled toward the stowed configuration, and the strap 412 may at least partially wrap around the hood 130 and be coupled to the coupling mechanism 414 (e.g., using a complementary coupling mechanism 414) for retaining the hood 130 in the stowed configuration. The coupling mechanism 414 may include, for example, a snap, a button, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, and/or any other fastener that enables the coupling mechanism 414 to engage the strap 412.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the garment 100 may include one or more securing mechanisms 420 configured to retain the garment 100 and/or hood 130 in a twisted or stowed configuration. In some examples, the securing mechanisms 420 includes a strap 422 and a coupling mechanism 424 configured to engage the strap 422. For example, the garment 100 may be twisted toward the stowed configuration, and the strap 422 may at least partially wrap around the garment 100 and be coupled to the coupling mechanism 424 for garment 100 in the stowed configuration. The coupling mechanism 424 may include, for example, a strap adjuster, a slide, a buckle, a hook fastener, a loop fastener, and/or any other fastener that enables the coupling mechanism 424 to engage the strap 422.

The garment 100 may be fabricated, for example, by providing a panel 110 that includes a first section 200 having a first outer edge portion 140 that defines a first space 222, a second section 210 having a second outer edge portion 142 that defines a second space 224, and a body section 220 having an inner edge portion 134 that defines a head opening 226. The outer edge portion 140 and/or second outer edge portion 142 extend mediolaterally between a first side 154 and a second side 158 of the panel 110.

One or more first handles 230 are coupled to the first outer edge portion 140, and one or more second handles 232 are coupled to the second outer edge portion 142. The first handles 230 may extend, for example, across the first space 222 and mediolaterally between the first side 154 and second side 158 of the panel 110. Additionally, the second handles 232 may extend across the second space 224 and mediolaterally between the first side 154 and second side 158 of the panel 110. First handles 230 and/or second handles 232 may be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 238 of the panel 110. In some examples, the first handles 230 and/or second handles 232 extend beyond a periphery of the panel 110 (e.g., beyond the first side 154 and/or second side 158).

A hood 130 is coupled to the inner edge portion 134 of the panel 110. The hood 130 may be coupled to the panel 110, for example, along its lower edge portion 132. In some examples, a plurality of securing mechanisms 410 and/or securing mechanisms 420 configured to secure the garment 100 and/or hood 130 in a stowed configuration are coupled to the panel 110. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of coupling mechanisms 150 configured to couple a first side edge portion 152 of the panel 110 to a second side edge portion 156 of the panel 110 may be coupled to the panel along the first side edge portion 152 at the first side 154 and/or second side edge portion 156 at the second side 158.

An end segment (e.g., fixed end segment 252) of a cord 250 may be coupled to an anchoring mechanism 260 at a first lateral end 262 of one or more sleeves 242, and a free end segment 254 of the cord 250 may be extended through one or more channels 240 defined by the sleeves 242 and through an opening defined by a securing mechanism 266 at a second lateral end 264 of the one or more sleeves 242 such that a body segment 256 of the cord 250 extends through the channels 240 and/or the free end segment 254 is free from the channels 240. The free end segment 254 may be stowed or positioned, for example, in a retaining mechanism 268 coupled to the panel 110. In some examples, the channels 240 and/or sleeves 242 are formed by folding an end portion 246 of each tab 244 back toward the body section 220 and coupling the end portion 246 to a corresponding root portion 248. For example, a first channel 240 defined by a first sleeve 242 may be formed by folding a first tab 244, and a second channel 240 defined by a second sleeve 242 may be formed by folding a second tab 244.

FIG. 9 shows another example garment 500 in an open configuration. The garment 500 includes components or features that are the same as or similar to the components or features of the garment 100. For example, the garment 500 includes a panel 510, a plurality of handles 520, and a hood 530 that are the same as or similar to the panel 110, handles 120, and hood 130, respectively. However, there are some differences between the garments 100 and 500 and their respective components or features.

For example, the handles 520 of the garment 500 includes a pair of first handles 630 (e.g., a left first handle and a right first handle) and a pair of second handles 632 (e.g., a left second handle and a right second handle). In some examples, each first handle 630 and/or second handle 632 includes a lateral portion 634 proximate a side edge portion of the panel 510 (e.g., first side edge portion 552, second side edge portion 556) and a medial portion 636 proximate a longitudinal axis 638 of the panel 510 (e.g., a center axis).

The handles 520 may extend within a periphery or footprint of the panel 510 and/or be generally covered by the panel 510. Lateral corner portions 901 of the panel 510, for example, may extend laterally beyond a lateral reach of the lateral portions 634 of the handles 520 (e.g., a distance spanned by the lateral portions 634 is less than a lateral width of the panel 510). Additionally, a first space 622 and/or second space 624 defined by medial corner portions 903 of the panel 510 may be free from the handles 520. For example, the medial corner portions 903 may extend medially beyond a medial reach of the medial portions 636 of the handles 520 (e.g., a gap between the medial portions 636 of the handles 520 is greater than a gap between the medial corner portions 903 of the panel 510).

The medial corner portions 903 are movable to selectively increase or change a size and/or shape of the first space 622 and/or second space 624. In this manner, the handles 520 may be at least partially exposed. For example, the medial corner portions 903 may be folded to increase the size of the first space 622 and/or second space 624 and selectively expose at least a part of a medial portion 636 of a first handle 630 and/or second handle 632, respectively. In this manner, a medial portion 636 may be covered by the panel 510 when a medial corner portion 903 is in an extended configuration, and extend at least partially in or across the first space 622 or second space 624 when the medial corner portion 903 is in a folded configuration.

Additionally, one or more lateral corner portions 901 are movable to selectively expose at least a part of a lateral portion 634 of a handle 520. The lateral portions 634 of the handles 520 may be exposed, for example, when the garment 500 is in a hammock configuration, as shown in FIG. 10. A cord, rope, webbing, and/or carabiner (e.g., cord 250) is extendable through a handle opening that is defined by at least one handle 520. In the hammock configuration, the garment 500 is suspended between a first end (e.g., at a first outer edge portion 540), where a first cord, rope, webbing, and/or carabiner (e.g., cord 250) may be extended through the first handles 630 for supporting the garment 500 at the first end, and an opposing second end (e.g., at a second outer edge portion 542), where a second cord, rope, webbing, and/or carabiner (e.g., cord 250) may be extended through the second handles 632 for supporting the garment 500 at the second end.

FIG. 11 shows a corner portion including a grommet or opening 905. In some examples, an opening 905 is defined through the panel 510 at each lateral corner portion 901. The openings 905 may be sized and/or shaped to receive one or more ropes or cords (e.g., cord 250). Cords may be extended through the openings 905, for example, to facilitate securing the garment 500 in a tent configuration, as shown in FIG. 12. In the tent configuration, the garment 500 is held or urged upward along a longitudinal center portion of the panel 510 (e.g., a longitudinal edge portion 702), where a first rope, cord, or webbing (e.g., cord 250) may be extended under the longitudinal center portion of the panel 510 and generally along the longitudinal axis 638, and pulled or urged downward at the lateral corner portions 901, where a respective second rope or cord (e.g., cord 250) may be extended through an opening 905 at each lateral corner portion 901.

FIG. 13 shows a corner portion including a support mechanism 907. In some examples, the handles 520 include one or more support mechanisms 907 that facilitate securing the handles 520 to the panel 510. In some examples, the support mechanisms 907 bifurcate or distinguish the lateral portions 634 and/or medial portion 636 from a segment 909 of the handle 520 extending between the lateral portion 634 and the medial portion 636. For example, the handle 520 may include a support mechanism 907 extending across a base 911 of the lateral portion 634 or medial portion 636. In some examples, each support mechanism 907 extends longitudinally at or proximate a respective side edge portion of the panel 510 (e.g., first side edge portion 552, second side edge portion 556) between the first handle 630 and second handle 632. For example, a pair of support mechanisms 907 may extend longitudinally at or proximate the side edge portions between a first end (e.g., at the first outer edge portion 540) and an opposing second end (e.g., at the second outer edge portion 542) to couple the first handle 630 to the second handle 632.

FIG. 14 shows an edge portion of the garment 500 including a sleeve 913. The garment 500 may include one or more sleeves 913 at or proximate to one or more side edge portions of the panel 510 (e.g., first side edge portion 552, second side edge portion 556). As shown in FIG. 9, the sleeves 913 may be spaced from each other. In some examples, a first set of sleeves 913 at or proximate the first side edge portion 552 and a second set of sleeves 913 at or proximate the second side edge portion 556 are arranged such that they interleave when the first side edge portion 552 and second side edge portion 556 are in line with each other (e.g., when the garment 500 is folded along the longitudinal axis 238).

Each sleeve 913 defines a channel 915 sized and/or shaped to receive an elongated member 917, as shown in FIG. 15, to facilitate securing the garment 500 in the tent configuration as shown in FIG. 10 and/or in a reinforced stretcher configuration as shown in FIG. 16. Example elongated members 917 may include, without limitation, a cord (e.g., cord 250), rod, pole, and/or any other mechanism that enables the garment 500 to function as described herein. In the reinforced stretcher configuration, an elongated member 917 extends through one or more sleeves 913 along the side edge portions of the panel 510, and another elongated member 917 extends along a longitudinal edge portion 702 formed from folding the garment 500 along the longitudinal axis 238. As shown in FIG. 17, the garment 500 may also be used in a stretcher configuration without one or more elongated members 917, similar to the stretcher configuration shown in FIG. 6.

Example garments are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The garments described herein may be convertible, for example, between a plurality of configurations, including a poncho configuration, a hammock configuration, a stretcher configuration, a reinforced stretcher configuration, and/or a tent configuration. This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure and also to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the aspects, including making or using the above-described components, assemblies, and/or systems and executing or performing the above-described operations. For example, the examples described herein include a panel and a plurality of handles coupled to the panel. The panel may have, for example, an inner edge portion that enables the garment to be used as a poncho and/or outer edge portions that enable the garment to be used as a hammock and/or as a stretcher. Accordingly, the present disclosure is related to a garment that is selectively convertible into one of a plurality of configurations in a convenient, efficient, and/or effective manner.

When introducing elements of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. References to an “embodiment” or an “example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments or examples that also incorporate the recited features. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be elements other than the listed elements. The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.”

Having described aspects of the disclosure in terms of various examples with their associated operations, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. That is, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific examples described herein, and all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, components of the systems described herein and/or operations of the methods described herein may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or operations.

Moreover, the methods described herein may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed, and the order of execution or performance of the operations described herein is not essential unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be executed or performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of the disclosure.

The scope of the disclosure may also include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. A person skilled in the art would appreciate, for example, that a combination of operations from any number of different examples is within the scope of the disclosure if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims and/or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment comprising: a panel including a first section having a first outer edge portion that defines a first space, a second section having a second outer edge portion that defines a second space, and a body section between the first section and the second section, the body section having an inner edge portion that defines a head opening; and a plurality of handles including one or more first handles coupled to the first outer edge portion and one or more second handles coupled to the second outer edge portion, the plurality of handles extending mediolaterally between a first side of the panel and a second side of the panel such that the one or more first handles include a first medial portion exposable at the first space and the one or more second handles include a second medial portion exposable at the second space.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first outer edge portion is movable to at least partially expose the first medial portion at the first space, and the second outer edge portion is movable to at least partially expose the second medial portion at the second space.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of handles are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the panel.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of handles are within a footprint of the panel.
 5. The garment of claim 1 further comprising one or more cords, each cord of the one or more cords extendable through a handle opening defined by at least one handle of the plurality of handles.
 6. The garment of claim 1 further comprising: one or more cords; and one or more retaining mechanisms, each retaining mechanism of the one or more retaining mechanisms configured to retain at least one cord of the one or more cords.
 7. The garment of claim 1 further comprising: one or more cords; and one or more sleeves defining one or more channels, each channel of the one or more channels sized to receive at least one cord of the one or more cords therein.
 8. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of sleeves including one or more first sleeves at a first side of the panel and one or more second sleeves at a second side of the panel, the plurality of sleeves arranged such that the one or more first sleeves and the one or more second sleeves interleave when the first side of the panel and the second side of the panel are aligned.
 9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first side edge portion at the first side and a second side edge portion at the second side, the garment further comprising a plurality of coupling mechanisms configured to couple the first side edge portion to the second side edge portion.
 10. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a hood having a lower edge portion coupled to the inner edge portion of the body section.
 11. The garment of claim 1 further comprising: a hood; and a plurality of securing mechanisms configured to secure the hood in a stowed configuration.
 12. A convertible garment comprising: a panel having a first side edge portion at a first side of the panel, a second side edge portion at a second side of the panel, a plurality of outer edge portions extending between the first side of the panel and the second side of the panel, and an inner edge portion defining a head opening, the plurality of outer edge portions defining at least a first space and a second space; a plurality of handles coupled to the plurality of outer edge portions and extending between the first side and the second side, the plurality of handles including at least a first handle exposable at the first space and a second handle exposable at the second space; and a hood having a lower edge portion coupled to the inner edge portion of the panel, the convertible garment convertible between a poncho configuration and a stretcher configuration.
 13. The convertible garment of claim 12, wherein the plurality of outer edge portions are movable to at least partially expose the first handle at the first space and the second handle at the second space.
 14. The convertible garment of claim 12, wherein the plurality of handles are within a footprint of the panel and symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the panel.
 15. The convertible garment of claim 12 further comprising: one or more cords; and one or more retaining mechanisms, each retaining mechanism of the one or more retaining mechanisms configured to retain at least one cord of the one or more cords.
 16. The convertible garment of claim 12 further comprising: one or more cords; and a plurality of sleeves defining a plurality of channels, each channel of the plurality of channels sized to receive at least one cord of the one or more cords therein, the plurality of sleeves including one or more first sleeves at the first side edge portion and one or more second sleeves at the second side edge portion, the plurality of sleeves arranged such that the one or more first sleeves and the one or more second sleeves interleave when the first side of the panel and the second side of the panel are aligned.
 17. The convertible garment of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of coupling mechanisms configured to couple the first side edge portion to the second side edge portion.
 18. The convertible garment of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of securing mechanisms configured to secure the hood in a stowed configuration.
 19. A method of fabricating a convertible garment, the method comprising: providing a panel that has a first outer edge portion defining a first space, a second outer edge portion defining a second space, and an inner edge portion defining a head opening; coupling one or more first handles to the first outer edge portion such that the one or more first handles are exposable at the first space and extend mediolaterally between a first side of the panel and a second side of the panel; coupling one or more second handles to the second outer edge portion such that the one or more second handles are exposable at the second space and extend mediolaterally between the first side of the panel and the second side of the panel; and coupling a hood to the inner edge portion of the panel.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: coupling a plurality of sleeves to the panel including one of more first sleeves along a first side edge portion at the first side of the panel and one or more second sleeves along a second side edge portion at the second side of the panel such that the one or more first sleeves and the one or more second sleeves interleave when the first side of the panel and the second side of the panel are aligned; and coupling a plurality of coupling mechanisms to the panel along the first side edge portion and along the second side edge portion such that the plurality of coupling mechanisms are configured to couple the first side edge portion to the second side edge portion. 